COVID-19 Reasonable Accommodations

As the University of Chicago resumes certain on-campus activities under its UChicago Forward Plan, the University continues to take precautions to protect the health and well-being of all members of the campus community.  With guidance from University of Chicago Medicine and public health experts, as well as input from leaders across campus, the University has developed guidelines for returning to campus as well as specific resources for students and employees. These resources contain details about the University’s health and safety requirements, guidance for adhering to social distancing requirements while on campus, wellness resources, and more. The University has also developed a process for students, faculty, other academic appointees, postdoctoral researchers, and staff who have concerns returning to an in-person learning, research or work environment.

Requesting Reasonable Accommodations Due to COVID-19

Employees, students and other program participants may request a reasonable accommodation related to their own underlying health conditions, pregnancy, or age; or the underlying health conditions, pregnancy, or age of people with whom they live. A reasonable accommodation enables students to participate in their academic program or other educational activities on an equal basis without causing a fundamental alteration to the program. For employees, a reasonable accommodation enables them to perform all of the essential functions of their job without imposing undue hardship on the University. Examples of reasonable accommodations could include measures such as: academic adjustments, auxiliary aids and services, a special configuration of classrooms or workspaces beyond those already planned; a change in the location or timing of work; remote work; temporary assignment; or a leave of absence. For additional information on leaves of absence for employees, see Faculty Handbook, Postdoctoral Researcher Manual, or Human Resources Policies.  Academic Appointees may speak with Associate Provost Ingrid Gould,  Postdoctoral Researchers may contact the designated Dean’s Office contact, and staff may reach out to their HR Partner or a member of the Employee and Labor Relations team. Additionally, students may self-select a fully remote course schedule.

If you believe you may need accommodations beyond the protective measures currently in place, you are encouraged to submit a request as soon as possible to initiate the interactive process. Those requesting an accommodation should also plan to submit any required documents as soon as possible in order to provide the necessary time for consideration of the request and, as appropriate, implementation of an accommodation. Each accommodation request will be evaluated and determined on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about the Reasonable Accommodation Process and Frequently Asked Questions.